ADVIA Centaur Active-B12 Assay

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that can only be taken in from food or supplements. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver, where it can remain for years. Vitamin B12 is important for the metabolism of protein, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of the central nervous system.1

Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur when not enough vitamin B12 is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or when there is not enough dietary intake of the vitamin. Persons who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet tend to not consume enough vitamin B12.2 Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to macrocytic anemia, nerve damage, memory loss, and psychiatric abnormalities.2

What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?1,3

Vitamin B12 deficiency associated signs and symptoms could take years to manifest in adults. Infants and children will show signs of deficiency much sooner because they have not yet had time to store sufficient amounts. People with vitamin B12 deficiency may encounter symptoms such as: